the one thing that is predictable in this game is that if 1 airline/hotel tests the water, the others follow like sheep. thus, i fear this is only the beginning. a year from now i predict others will be below 1:1 with MR and also other currencies.
odd that it's BA leading though, as they are the airline known for outsized transfer bonuses. i've done 50% before. i've never done a tfr at 1:1- always wait for a bonus. sure i'm not alone there. so, 1.5 to .8 is quite the drop if they kill the bonuses too.